OCONOMOWOC - Sharon Pavich of Sweet Pís Pantry in downtown
Oconomowoc hopes that those who are seeking to reel in that
last-second Fatherís Day gift consider her hand-crafted chocolate
fish.

The creations, she said, are inspired by the natural
environs of Lake Country and by her own father, an avid sportsman
and outdoorsman who exposed Pavich and her nine siblings to the
outdoors.

ďHe took us all
ice fishing and fly fishing,Ē she said. ďAnd when he came back from
hunting, heíd always have candy bars in his satchel. I always went
for the Heath bar.Ē

Pavich would later
be inspired to create her own chocolate and toffee, using
all-natural ingredients. What started as a part-time venture at the
Oconomowoc Winter Farmers Market four years ago has expanded into a
full-time operation complete with a production kitchen. In February,
Sweet Pís production facility and retail outlet opened in the Old
Theater Mall at 169 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Pavich said she
intends to have new offerings for each season. The fish are part of
the ďSummer by the LakeĒ season. All are made of creamy, solid
Belgian chocolate. The larger bass comes in 12-oz. and 6-oz. sizes,
whereas the mint chocolate minnows are 1 oz. each. Both fish
varieties are available in either milk or dark chocolate.

In her Sweet Pís
Pantry venture, Pavich said she wanted something where she combine
her background in interior design with her background in food. She
had owned her own catering business in Chicago for 15 years prior to
moving back to Wisconsin.